Eagles developing chemistry on offense

Colorado hoping home ice will provide a spark after one goal in two games

By Cris Tiller Sports Writer

Posted:
10/22/2013 07:27:19 PM MDT

Colorado Eagles forward Kyle Ostrow has the team's lone goal this season through two games. The Eagles are developing chemistry early in the season and hope that home ice will provide a spark.
(DIANE MADDEN)

One shot, one goal and only 37 seconds expired from the 2013-14 regular season.

Things were looking pretty bright for the Colorado Eagles offense after forward Kyle Ostrow netted the team's opening goal of the new season against Bakersfield.

Colorado was unable to score any more goals in the season-opener with Bakersfield or the next night in Stockton, getting shutout its last five periods. But not for lack of trying.

Goal scoring opportunities have been there -- converting on those chances has been the issue.

"If you watch it and see what's going on, we had three or four six inch putts that should have gone in easy and we're missing the net," coach Chris Stewart said. "Riley Nelson sets up Kevin Ulanski and Kevin literally had a wide open net, him missing that ... that will never happen again; it won't happen again the rest of the year. But it just seemed like when we had those really good opportunities, we just weren't able to finish."

Stewart was quick to point out the Eagles have seen a couple of goaltenders who were on top of their game. Stockton goalie Brian Foster did stop all 29 shots Colorado threw at him. He also said that a greater intensity and focus would help convert easy chances into goals. Nothing can be taken for granted.

Advertisement

On the bright side, it's not as if the Eagles were completely stagnant. There were a plethora of chances in each game, which is half the battle. Sometimes it's easy to forget that even professionals need practice time, and finishing will certainly be an area of focus throughout the year.

With time, and perhaps knocking off a little rust, those misses are liable to turn into points.

"We've got a club that does have the energy, that does have the passion and does play hard," Stewart said. "If we get the confidence around the net, I think we'll be a very good goal scoring hockey club. We have a homestand here, and it's a great place to build your confidence."

You also have to consider the fact that this group of players is still learning how to skate with one another and develop rapport on the ice. Chemistry doesn't happen over night.

"I mean, it's huge. In hockey split seconds count, and if you have somebody where you know where they're gonna be for the most part, it helps out a ton," newly acquired veteran Ray Sawada said. "So having that familiarity with your line mates is huge, and can be the difference between a goal or not a goal."

One thing the Eagles can count on is the support at the Budweiser Events Center, where they have traditionally been dominant. Each of the first two games was on opening night for the opponent, giving the home team an edge from an energy standpoint. With Colorado's next seven games being played on home ice, the crowd could provide that extra spark to help find the back of the net.

"Now coming home, we have the best fans in the league, so we're very excited to be back here," Ostrow said. "Hopefully that will create some chances. You're comfortable in your own place, you have your own bed at night and routine. We have a lot of fans and so you have that energy and it's a hostile environment in here for other teams. So I think it's a big advantage playing here."